Here’s how it works and what the researchers found:

• T regulatory cells (T regs) control the immune response and prevent autoimmunity.

• T regs don’t function properly in MS.

• T regs burn fats to function.

• T regs from healthy people appear to rely more on oleic acid.

• T regs from people with MS appear to rely more on arachidonic acid.

• Lab experiment showed that oleic acid restored healthy function of T regs in tissue from patients with MS.

How does Oleic Acid Come into Play?

Basically, the researchers at Yale found that oleic acid might play an important role in regulating inflammatory signals in people with MS. Oleic acid is most commonly found in…

• Olive oil

• Avocados

• Nuts

A Natural Approach to Multiple Sclerosis

Of course, there are many different variables that influence the severity of MS. The disease is influenced by genetics, environment, lifestyle, and more. The point of this study is that we cannot ignore the role of diet.

Diet and Inflammation

When I’m starting with a patient who has been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, or any chronic inflammatory and degenerative disease for that matter, we start with getting on the right diet. The diet is not a one-size-fits-all, and while I’ve found some of the popular MS-specific diets to be perfect for many patients, it is not the best for all of them. I will look into each patient’s bloodwork and be sure we are reducing inflammatory foods and the main intolerances for that unique patient. Generally speaking, the biggest inflammatory foods that are removed for all patients will be refined and processed foods. Those are not good for anyone, and especially those dealing with chronic and degenerative conditions. Healthy, whole food meals are a must. It takes a little effort to move over to that way of eating if you have been eating out of boxes for years. However, it can be done, and the results of greater nutrition, energy, and a sense of well-being are on the horizon.

Vitamins and Minerals

I ensure we have optimal levels of certain vitamins, minerals, and fats. MS is a breakdown of the myelin sheath, the protective covering of the nerves. These are built from certain building blocks that we must get from our foods, specifically, fatty acids and proteins. This is why the point of the research above is so important. The research demonstrated that those with MS who thrived the most had a higher concentration of Oleic Acid in their diet. Vitamin D is another component. This is a fat-soluble vitamin that is obtained from healthy time in the sun, dietary consumption, or via a quality supplement. Vitamin D3 is best absorbed when ingested with fat, like olive oil, avocado, or flaxseed oil, for example. It has been found that populations around the world who have a higher amount of sun exposure or dietary vitamin D, had a lower incidence of Multiple Sclerosis.

Catch the Sun

Getting some sun as often as possible can make a tremendous difference to healing autoimmune conditions, including MS. Not only is this due to what it provides on the level of nutrition, but it also aids our mitochondria (the energy cells of the body), and helps with our immune systems. Keeping up a regular amount of daily sun, or in those areas where the sun is scarce, include an indoor light that can help with this important daily routine. In those places where sun is high, and potentially damaging with too much of it, maintain a daily dose according to the seasons. For example, in the hot summer of the Arizona desert, we need to be safe when getting the important noontime sun. Keeping that to a minimum of 10 mins and maximum of 15 mins for lighter skin without sunscreen, and closer to 30 mins for darker skin without sunscreen. This time is much longer during the other seasons of the year when the sun isn’t directly overhead.

Mental and Emotional Health

There isn’t an autoimmune or other chronic condition I have seen that doesn’t have some mental/emotional component blocking the healing. Either a past trauma triggered the condition, or the condition became compounded by a later mental/emotional event. This is a layer that must be healed in one way or another, and everyone is different when it comes to the ideal way to approach this. I’ve found homeopathy to be an excellent addition, along with HeartMath, Craniosacral, NET, EMDR, and other unique energy work.

Treatment Goal for All Conditions Treated Naturally

The goal of this treatment for Multiple Sclerosis, and the natural treatment of just about everything for that matter, is to remove obstacles that hinder the body’s healing ability and give the body what it needs or is missing. When we reduce inflammation, calm the nervous system, and increase the support of the immune system, then the body can do the job it is meant to do. When given the right tools, the body knows what to do to keep us healthy, happy, and supported.

If you know anybody who is struggling with MS, please send them my way. We have a wealth of options to naturally support immune health and a better quality of life despite the diagnosis.